Russian Researchers to Unveil Revolutionary Fuel Cell Project at Hannover Messe-2012

      -Fuel cell technology, which runs on water and is capable of producing eco-friendly energy to heat buildings, is destined to reshape our energy future

MOSCOW, April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A state-of-the-art joint project spearheaded by the Tomsk Polytechnic Research University and Icelandic professor, Horsteinn I. Sigfusson, who was awarded the Global Energy International prize in 2007, will be showcased at Russia Day as part of the international exhibition Hannover Messe-2012, which is to be held from 23rd to 27th of May, 2012 in Germany.

Researchers are to showcase a project on eco-safe fuel cells capable of separating oxygen from hydrogen as a result of the electrolysis process at the round table "The role of hydrogen in the energy sector: Russian research and innovations," which will take place at 1.30 p.m. on Tuesday 24th April, 2012, Hannover Messe, Hall 27, Technical Forum.

Hydrogen fuel cells are ecologically friendly and offer zero emissions. Moreover, they are highly efficient, featuring low energy consumption in the work process and high performance, as 60-70% of fuel energy is converted directly into electricity.

According to Yury Tyurin, a leading research worker at the Tomsk Polytechnic University, "the main idea behind the project is encapsulated in the need to move away from using fossil fuel, which is expensive, pollutes the environment and will be depleted within the next 20-30 years."

Cell fuel technology can be implemented in vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions and as a power source for distributed energy units. High capacity fuel cells can be used as backup power generators, and are suitable for CHP industrial application due to high operating temperature (800-1000 C).

This clean and green fuel can be used in submarines, aircraft and also to heat low-rise buildings.

Dr. Horsteinn I. Sigfusson comments: "In the project in Tomsk we have been able to use the sophisticated experimental facilities to make fuel cell components to convert for example natural gas into heat and electricity in the same unit. Russian technology is very deep reaching and is based on very sound theoretical understanding of the physics and chemistry of energy conversion."

This project has already found application in the transportation industry. A German automotive concern which uses this technology manufactured three buses which were specially designed for Iceland. Other such buses have been ordered in Portugal, the United Kingdom and other European countries.

This technology is very promising and the present joint research project is yet another vindication of this claim. But in order to take fuel cell technology to the next level, it will be necessary to gain broad support from public organizations and business alike. The implementation of this project has received backing from Global Energy Non-Profit Partnership and the Russian Ministry of Education and Science.

The round table will also feature presentations by leading Russian experts of the hydrogen power industry, who will share their insights into cutting-edge industry trends with the general public and journalists.

If you are interested in more information, please contact Julia Nikishkina, Corporate Communications, at julia.nikishkina@frost.com

About the Global Energy Prize

The Global Energy Prize awards over US$1m each year, and thus far has been granted to 24 scientists from around the globe, including past Laureates from the US, Great Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, Russia, Ukraine and Japan. The President of the Russian Federation participates in each year's award ceremony held at the conclusion of a week-long celebration of the awardees' work, Laureates' Week. Other world leaders who have supported the prize include the former US President George W. Bush, former British Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, former French President Jacques Chirac and current Canadian Prime Minister, Steven Harper.

The Prize rewards innovation and solutions in global energy research and its concurrent environmental challenges. The degree to which a development contributes to the benefit of humanity is a key driver in deciding the recipient of the Prize.

Contact:
Julia Nikishkina
Corporate Communications – Russia
P: +7 (499) 918 6145
E: julia.nikishkina@frost.com

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